The Fate of Others: Stories

books by Richard Bausch

Download The Fate of Others: Stories

A new collection of short stories examining the extraordinary shades of ordinary life, from the prize-winning fiction writer Richard Bausch (“A master of the short story" —The New York Times Book Review) In ten piercing new stories Richard Bausch fleshes out the rich inner worlds of his characters and plumbs the nuances of infidelity, loss, and profound loneliness. In “Donnaiolo,” a young divorcee moves back into her childhood home, with no plans other than to eat her parents’ food and smoke cigarettes in her room. In “Isolation,” a woman pines for her lover while quarantining from the COVID-19 pandemic with her husband, a situation that deteriorates when she learns her beloved has fallen gravely ill. In “Broken Home,” a Catholic school field trip takes a violent turn when the... Readers often note the book’s ability to remain engaging without relying on exaggerated drama. Instead, it draws interest through authentic situations and believable character responses. This grounded approach adds credibility to the narrative. The author presents ideas in a clear and organized manner, making the story easy to follow even when exploring layered concepts. Information is revealed naturally through the progression of the plot, preventing confusion and maintaining reader interest. This clarity supports a smooth and enjoyable reading experience.